The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports various statistical unemployment rates and one measure is called U3, currently 8.2%. U3 is the statistic the media reports, but a more accurate statistic to view the USA unemployment rate is U6. U6 is now at 14.9%. This measure takes into account people who a "marginally" employed, like the 7 eleven worker with a masters degree.

Government - all - of government that is who is at fault - a fucked up congress along with a truly ineffective Senate authoring and promoting bad legislation - and the People are at fault for letting our government do this unopposed.

Job growth right now in the US has as much to do with productivity as anything else. Would we be having this discussion if the un-employment rate was 6.2 % instead of 8.2%? A 2 % increase in productivity is almost a 1:1 offset for job growth. We have seen good productivity growth over the last 3 years. I guess we can blame un-employment on our fellow Americans for working too hard.

The problem is not Dem or Rep, the problem is the tremendous growth of corrupt, mediocre, and inept Fed Gov.

Local, and to some extent State governments are kept in check by things like balanced budget requirements and the ability to manage relatively small systems. They have to look you in the eye when they screw up or raise taxes. The Fed Gov is just too large and being a monopoly has no motivation to pursue excellence.

A less centralized system would work better. Reduce the Fed power by passing more to the States, or perhaps create regional provinces that would better serve the people.

Generally smaller is better. Cut off the money supply to Gov. That will help.